Department Spotlight: Mr. John Berger
2020 was all about virtual, and now 2021 is following suit. As such, we will be virtually profiling our administrative staff as they continue to work from home and keep our Department on track and meeting its strategic goals. Mr. John Berger is celebrating four years in the Department of Family Medicine as of April 24.
What do you most enjoy about your role in the Department?
My favourite thing about working at Western is being in the campus environment and supporting our learners. In the Department of Family Medicine, I get to support those who are applying to our program, as well as residents who are going through it.
What’s been your most memorable experience while working in the Department?
How can I pick between our various departmental celebrations? Whether it is Paddy of Fortune, Mandarin Christmases, or being the reigning Groundhog Day trivia champ, there is always something fun going on.
What’s your greatest accomplishment?
Maybe it's trite to say, but I guess my greatest accomplishment would probably be watching my son Thomas grow up. He will be three in the summer. If there is one good thing about the pandemic, it's that I've been afforded a chance to spend more time at home and can enjoy the small moments of him growing up (although having a crazed two year old can also be hard to work around sometimes!).
And then what do you like to do outside of work, or how you enjoy spending your time, etc.
Being a dad takes up a lot of my time nowadays, but I do manage to maintain some hobbies too. I've been baking bread semi weekly for a few years now (it started during my pat leave as a means to stay sane, actually) and I still get a thrill every time I see a finished loaf. There is something about taking these base ingredients and making something larger from them. I also enjoy biking and doing some vegetable gardening in the milder months as well.
